After Buddhism was introduced to China in the Han Dynasty, it attached itself to the magic of ghosts and gods, which became related to Taoism. At that time, many emperors, such as Chu Wangying and Emperor Huan, offered sacrifices to the two clans. "Book of the Later Han Dynasty" Volume 42 "Biographies of the Ten Kings of Guangwu·Biography of King Chu Ying" says: "I like Huang Lao even more during the late festival, and I learned to fast and sacrifice for the pagoda."

However, there are also conflicts between Buddhism and Taoism. From a theoretical basis, Buddhism has a complete set of theories. The theoretical foundation of Taoism is relatively weak, and at first there was really no complete set of things to come up with. After it met with foreign Buddhism, it was inevitable that the two would collide due to theoretical conflicts (essentially economic conflicts).

Except for some methods such as taking food and refining elixirs, Taoism is no match for Buddhism in terms of theory. After a few rounds of fighting, they were defeated. The Taoists then resorted to the tactics they would often use in the future: on the one hand, they desperately opposed Buddhism; on the other hand, they secretly copied Buddhist doctrines.

Although Taoism is not an opponent of Buddhism in theory, it is indigenous, and it is most effective to use it to fight against foreign Buddhism. Therefore, it is often used by rulers. We can even say this: Without the introduction and prosperity of Buddhism, Taoism might not have spread.

The Han people have a whole set of ethical dogma: monarch, minister, father, son, son, etc. This is the basis of domination. This is of course Confucianism, but Taoism does not violate it. Buddhism, on the other hand, destroys this. In the struggle between Buddhism and Taoism and Confucianism, this is a very disadvantageous aspect to it.

Extended information:

The difference between Buddha and Tao:

1. Buddha said that the Tao of the next life is more important than this life

Taoism pays more attention to the things of this life. , Buddhism talks more about the afterlife, while Taoism does not deny the afterlife, but believes that people should live without regrets in this life, and even believes that people will no longer be themselves in the next life.

2. Background

Buddhism originated from Nepal, India, and is located in the West. Taoism was born in China, located in the west.

3. Attitude towards the soul

The Buddha said that the difference between the afterlife and this life lies in the view of the soul. Buddhism believes that everything is air, but Buddhism came from India after all, and brought There are original ideas of Hinduism. The Hindu classic "Bhagavad Gita" says that the soul is the foundation, so focus on the next life. Taoism inherits the original Chinese view of the soul. After you are reincarnated, you will no longer be yourself.

4. Attitude to join the world

Today, many people think that Taoism is a very negative religion. In fact, Taoism is a religion that is very worldly. In ancient times, almost all people from all walks of life worshiped their ancestors. They are Taoists. Nowadays, people are familiar with the fact that the five arts are methods to serve the world, not tricks to stay away from the world. From a historical and realistic perspective, Buddhism pays more attention to rebirth than Taoism. Since the time of Buddha, Buddhism has paid attention to things such as leaving love and becoming a monk.

Reference materials:? Baidu Encyclopedia-Buddhism

?Baidu Encyclopedia-Taoism